Chimaeridae

/kaɪˈmɪərɪdi/ noun

Definition

A family of cartilaginous fish that includes ratfish and ghostfish, characterized by elongated bodies, large pectoral fins, and a venomous dorsal spine.

Etymology

From Chimaera (genus name, derived from Greek mythology) plus -idae (taxonomic family suffix). This biological family was formally classified in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Chimaeridae fish are 'living fossils' that diverged from sharks 300 million years ago and developed totally different body plans—they're like a window into deep evolutionary time!

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